It’s a hot, sunny day in Los Angeles, but I’m sitting in air conditioning-crazy Starbucks, freezing my frijoles off and looking for answers. Since my life coach hasn’t shown up yet, I look elsewhere — to the LA Times astrology pages.
Pisces: You may think you know why someone does what he does, but you can’t be sure. Therefore, stay within your own boundaries and concern yourself with your own interests.
Ah, my own interests — this is what I spoke about with Doug Miller, my life coach, the last (and first) time we met up. I’m seeing him for two reasons: as research for this story on life coaches and to see if said life coach can help me figure out my next step.
For the last few years I have cobbled together a career as a freelance journalist and copywriter. Now, at 37, I am looking to make a change after hitting a tipping point — getting work was taking way too much work. So I am considering going back to school to train for yet another gig which would allow me to sit around and ask people questions (psychotherapist) or maybe a full-time writing-related position (a fun prospect, with the exception of having to wear pants to work).
To be honest, I have never in my life been more excited to meet with an unlicensed professional.
But before we get to that, some backstory on the whole life coaching thing. The concept grew out of executive coaching, in which pros worked with CEOs, teaching them how to achieve their business goals. Now decades old, executive coaching is an accepted part of the business world, and Ivy League schools like Columbia have training programs for aspiring business coaches.
Much like therapists, different life coaches employ different styles, but most pull from a mix of disciplines ranging from psychology and sociology to career counseling and mentorship. Apparently, cherry-picking the best bits of diverse philosophies isn’t just for Unitarians.
In addition to business coaches and general life coaches, there are also dating coaches to help you net Mr. or Ms. Right, wellness coaches to help you articulate and stick to health goals, and spiritual coaches to help you find your higher purpose. Without a governing body or regulations and standards, the coaching world is the Wild West of self-help: hang a shingle, corral some clients and you’re ready to rock someone’s world.
Source Link:- http://www.commongroundmag.com/2008/11/tunein0811.html
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